Our foster families, primarily based in Johannesburg, play a crucial role in helping us provide temporary care to rescued puppies and adult dogs who need to live in a home environment before they can be adopted. Whether it’s for a short or extended period of time, our foster families offer a loving and nurturing environment for our dogs.

We provide all necessary supplies, including food and medicine, although we are always grateful for any donations. All our foster families need to provide is love and attention, ensuring that our dogs are socialized and well-cared for during their time in foster care.

Why is it important?

Fostering dogs is crucial for their well-being and for increasing their chances of finding their forever homes. Here are some reasons why:

• Puppies need special care and attention until they are old enough for adoption, and foster families can provide them with the nurturing they require.
• Dogs recovering from surgery, illness, or injury need a calm and peaceful environment to heal and regain their strength.
• Dogs who are stressed or anxious in the shelter environment can benefit greatly from being in a home with a loving family, helping them to become more comfortable and confident.
• Dogs who have not had the opportunity to live in a home before may need socialization and training to prepare them for life with their new family.

Our foster families are essential in providing a safe and loving environment for these dogs, and they also provide us with valuable feedback about each dog’s temperament, likes, and dislikes. This helps us to match them with the most suitable forever homes, ensuring a successful adoption.

By fostering a dog, you can make a significant difference in their life, and you may even be the reason why they find their perfect match.

What is the duration of a foster period?

The length of time a dog stays in foster care can vary based on individual circumstances.

Our younger puppies may only require a few weeks of foster care, while bottle-fed puppies may need up to two months of care before they are ready for adoption.

For older dogs, the minimum foster period is six months, as they often require more time to adjust to living in a home environment. We aim to avoid returning dogs to the shelter once they have settled in their foster home.

Foster placements are based on the availability of the foster family and the time frames they can commit to.

How can you become a foster?

To become a foster parent, simply fill out our Foster Application Form. Once approved, you’ll receive a list of dogs that are currently in need of foster care and fall within your selected criteria and experience. You can choose the dog that you feel would be a good fit for your home and lifestyle, and we’ll coordinate their stay with you.

We have a meet point in Parktown North, but fosters from all over Johannesburg are welcome if they are willing to travel a bit. If you’re interested in receiving a copy of our Foster Application Form, please reach out to us.

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of dogs in need!

It’s important to know that we have a highly supportive and close-knit group of fosters who work together and can provide guidance whenever needed.

To join the Happy Yappers Foster Family, please contact us via WhatsApp at 064 908 4374.